THE CALL TO LOVE - IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITIES
(B) VICTORY OF LOVE OVER EVIL

Weekly message No. 44 (27th December 1984):
Victory over Satan.

“Dear children! This Christmas Satan wanted in a special way to thwart God’s plans. You dear children, have recognized Satan even on Christmas Day. But God conquered in your hearts. Let your hearts continue to rejoice. Thank you for having responded to my call.” STARTING THURSDAY, 27 NOV 2008 & repeat 25 DEC 2008

1st day: Matthew 7:1-5. (Thursday)Do not judge.

Matthew 7:1-5.
1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

2nd day: John 12:31-32. (Friday)Jesus came to overcome the power of Satan, to restore what Satan has destroyed. Cf. 1 John 3:8.

John 12:31-32.
30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; 32 and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”

Cf. 1 John 3:8.
8 He who commits sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

3rd day: Luke 10:17-20. (Saturday)Joy of the disciples in using the name of Jesus to confront the devils.

Luke 10:17-20.
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18 And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

4th day: John 16:20-22. (Sunday)Sorrow will turn to joy.

John 16:20-22.
20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

5th day: Romans 8:28-32. (Monday) For those who love God, everything turns to their good. Cf. James 1:12.

Romans 8:28-32.
28 We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him?

Cf. James 1:12.
12 Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.

Isaiah 50:7-9.
7 For the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been confounded; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame; 8 he who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. 9 Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up.

Cf. Psalm 25:3.
3 Yea, let none that wait for thee be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

7th day: Philippians 4:4-9. (Wednesday)Persevering in prayer and trusting in God will assure us of peace which will guard our hearts. Cf. Romans 15:13.

Philippians 4:4-9.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. 6 Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Cf. Romans 15:13.
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.SUGGESTION
PRACTICAL:
Did anything happen which spoiled your Christmas? How did you cope?
PRAYER OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA (adapted to group prayer):
Soul of Christ, make us holy. Body of Christ, be our salvation. Blood of Christ, invigorate us. Water flowing from the side of Christ, wash us clean. Passion of Christ, give us strength. O kindest Jesus, hear our prayer. Hide us within your wounds and never let us be parted from you. Defend us against the evil enemy. Call us at the hour of our death, and summon us into your presence, to the fellowship of your saints, that we may sing your praises with them through all eternity. Amen